Imagine living in the same building as a world leader—and then completely transforming your space into a masterpiece of DIY creativity. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Stav Levinger, 30, and Bar Molot, 32, two high-tech programmers, have done just that in their Tel Aviv apartment, located in the same building where Russian President Vladimir Putin owns a unit. Their 750-square-foot rental on Pinsker Street isn’t just a home; it’s a testament to their shared passions for design, craftsmanship, and their two feline companions, Pepper and Toffee.
And this is the part most people miss: Their approach to design mirrors their precision in coding—impeccably organized, guided by a clear aesthetic vision, and executed with a coherence that results in a soothing, harmonious space. Every corner of their apartment tells a story of hands-on creativity. From an old television repurposed as a cat bed to custom-built light fixtures, their home is a living gallery of their ingenuity. It’s where Scandinavian minimalism meets Israeli artistry, and logical thinking transforms into beauty.
Stav and Bar’s journey began with a shared love for cats, which quickly evolved into a partnership in design. ‘We planned the entire apartment around them,’ Stav explains, ‘ensuring it was practical, safe, and stimulating without sacrificing aesthetics. It was quite a challenge.’ Their weekends are dedicated to workshops in upholstery, candle-making, felting, and even carpentry, skills they’ve honed to craft every detail of their home themselves.
But here’s the controversial part: While their apartment is a celebration of global design influences, from Scandinavian aesthetics to Japanese-inspired pieces, it’s also nestled in a building with a peculiar neighbor. ‘Putin has an apartment on the third floor,’ Stav reveals. ‘We discovered this after moving in, and since then, we’ve heard countless conspiracy theories.’ The couple wonders if this high-profile ownership explains why their building remained unscathed after an Iranian missile strike on the street—a question that lingers in the air.
Their kitchen, though rarely used, is a visual delight, blending rustic wood with pastel hues and geometric wallpaper sourced from AliExpress. Stav’s collection of tableware, featuring pieces by ABS Studio, Mai Kawamura, and Scandinavian designers, adds a personal touch. Even the building’s discarded sign found new life as a lighting fixture, thanks to Bar’s handiwork.
The dining area, once a work corner, now boasts a mix of refurbished street finds and new chairs, alongside a mirrored vase from HAY and AliExpress replicas of BOLIA light fixtures. Here’s where it gets even more creative: IKEA cabinets were transformed into a litter area for their cats, complete with a custom-cut hole and litter mat. ‘It doesn’t smell as bad as it looks,’ Stav assures with a laugh.
The living room is anchored by a hammock—a gift from Stav’s sister—that has become a favorite spot for both humans and cats. The space is layered with textures and colors, from NAMA Studio cushions to a Japanese-inspired rug from The Red Carpet. Their shelving wall is a curated collection of mementos from global travels, including an original Menashe Kadishman painting and figurines from Studio Arhoj.
But here’s the question that sparks debate: Is their home a reflection of their shared hobbies, or is it a deliberate rejection of conventional design norms? Stav and Bar’s DIY ethos challenges the idea of hiring professionals, proving that with enough passion and skill, anyone can create a space that’s uniquely theirs. Their bedroom, styled in a Japandi aesthetic—a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design—features a custom-built bed and bedside tables crafted from IKEA organizers, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate.
As you explore their home, it’s clear that every piece has a story, every corner a purpose. But what do you think? Is their hands-on approach to design inspiring, or does it overlook the value of professional expertise? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
